A man has been arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a hotel housing federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, during a time of heightened anti-ICE protests in the city.
The suspect, Eric Anthony Rodriguez, 39, was apprehended on Tuesday. He reportedly launched the incendiary device at a hotel located near Los Angeles International Airport, where 27 agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection were staying. Fortunately, the Molotov cocktail landed in some bushes and did not cause any injuries. A hotel employee quickly extinguished the fire.
Authorities received reports of the attack shortly after it happened. The Los Angeles Police Department, along with the Fire Department’s arson investigators, began a joint investigation that led them to Rodriguez. He was arrested without incident near the site of the attack.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the act, calling Rodriguez a coward and a serial criminal. She emphasized that threats against federal officers would not be tolerated and that Rodriguez would face the full consequences of the law.
Rodriguez has a lengthy criminal history, with convictions dating back over two decades. His record includes a felony conviction for receiving stolen property in 2004 and a second-degree robbery conviction in March 2024. He was also wanted for violating parole at the time of his arrest.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney has charged him with possession of a destructive device and arson. McLaughlin pointed out that the recent violent protests against ICE have contributed to a significant increase in assaults on federal law enforcement officers.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as authorities have noted a rise in attacks on law enforcement during the anti-ICE protests. Just days prior to Rodriguez’s arrest, another individual was charged with attempted murder for throwing a Molotov cocktail at sheriff’s deputies during the same protests.
McLaughlin remarked that dangerous rhetoric from politicians has fueled violence against federal officers, leading to increased risks for those serving in law enforcement. She reiterated that the actions of individuals like Rodriguez will not deter the mission of federal agencies.